This peppermint hot chocolate is the perfect drink to bring warmth and cheer to chilly days and holiday nights.
Rich, creamy, and full of minty flavor, it’s a versatile treat anyone can enjoy.
You can easily make it vegan or dairy-free or add a splash of peppermint schnapps for a cozy adult version.
Best of all, it’s quick to make, so you can enjoy a festive twist on classic hot chocolate in no time.
How To Make A Peppermint Hot Chocolate: At A Glance
- Warm milk and cream in a saucepan.
- Add chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in peppermint extract to taste.
- Pour into a mug and add whipped cream or marshmallows.
- Top with crushed candy canes if desired.
Ingredients Needed
Core Ingredients
- Milk: 1 cup (whole milk recommended for creaminess, but 2% or dairy-free options like almond or oat milk work too).
- Chocolate: 3 ounces of semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped, or ½ cup chocolate chips.
- Peppermint Extract: ⅛ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract; start with this amount and adjust to taste, as peppermint can be strong.
- Sweetener: 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar or 2 tablespoons maple syrup; adjust based on desired sweetness.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Richness
- Heavy Cream: ¼ cup, if you want a thicker, more decadent texture.
- Vanilla Extract: ¼ teaspoon, to enhance the overall flavor of the drink.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of milk, ¼ cup heavy cream (if using), 1-2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Begin warming over medium heat.
- Stir continuously to prevent milk from scalding.
2. Add Chocolate
- Once the milk mixture is warm (do not let it boil), add 3 ounces of finely chopped semisweet or dark chocolate or ½ cup of chocolate chips.
- Reduce heat to low and whisk until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture is smooth. Continuous whisking helps prevent the chocolate from burning or sticking.
3. Add Peppermint Extract
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add ⅛ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract. Since peppermint extract is potent, start with a small amount and adjust to taste by adding tiny drops if a stronger mint flavor is desired.
- Avoid measuring peppermint extract over the saucepan, as even a small spill can overpower the flavor.
4. Serve and Garnish
- Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes if desired.
- For an extra festive touch, use a candy cane as a stirrer.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Chocolate Melting: Keep the heat low and stir constantly to avoid burning. Removing the pan from heat for a moment if it gets too hot can help keep the texture smooth.
- Peppermint Adjustment: Add peppermint extract sparingly, as its flavor intensifies quickly. Adjust to your taste once the drink is complete, if needed.
Recipe Variations
Peppermint hot chocolate is delicious on its own, but you can easily adapt it to suit different tastes and occasions.
Here are three popular variations to try:
White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate
For a sweeter, creamier version, swap out the dark or semisweet chocolate for white chocolate.
White chocolate melts smoothly into the milk and gives a softer, vanilla-forward taste that pairs perfectly with peppermint.
Simply follow the same steps as the main recipe, substituting the chocolate.
You may want to reduce or skip any additional sugar, as white chocolate itself is naturally sweet.
This version is ideal if you’re looking for a milder flavor that’s still festive and cozy.
Lighter Version
If you prefer a lighter peppermint hot chocolate, there’s an easy way to reduce its richness without losing flavor.
Start by reducing the chocolate to about two ounces (or ⅓ cup if using chocolate chips) and replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of milk.
This makes the drink less dense and lowers its calorie content while keeping the creamy texture.
Spiked Version
For an adult twist, transform your peppermint hot chocolate into a festive, spiked treat.
Substitute the peppermint extract with 1-2 tablespoons of peppermint schnapps, vodka, or Baileys Irish Cream.
Peppermint schnapps enhances the minty flavor, while Baileys adds a creamy, rich texture with hints of chocolate and vanilla.
Add these spirits once you’ve removed the hot chocolate from heat to preserve the flavor and aroma.
Customizable Toppings
Peppermint hot chocolate is already festive, but adding toppings can make it even more special.
Start with a classic topping: whipped cream adds a fluffy, creamy layer that complements the rich chocolate.
For extra texture, marshmallows are a cozy choice, melting slightly as they sit on the hot chocolate.
Sprinkle on some chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Crushed candy canes are a must for peppermint hot chocolate, giving it a burst of color and a crunch that enhances the minty flavor.
For a fun twist, use a whole candy cane as a stir stick; it’ll slowly melt into the drink, adding even more peppermint flavor as you sip.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting up a DIY hot chocolate bar.
Set up a large serving pot or slow cooker to keep the hot chocolate warm.
Arrange a variety of toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint, and mini chocolate chips in small bowls, allowing guests to customize their mugs.
For extra treats, serve holiday cookies or gingerbread alongside the hot chocolate station for a cozy, complete holiday experience.
Add festive elements like holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra touch.
This setup not only makes serving easier but also brings a fun, interactive element to your gathering.
Serving Tips
For the best experience, serve your peppermint hot chocolate warm right after making it.
The creamy, smooth texture and minty flavor shine when freshly prepared.
However, if you’re making it for a party or want to prepare it ahead, simply allow the hot chocolate to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking.
If you prefer the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Healthier & Alternative Options
For a lighter or dairy-free peppermint hot chocolate, there are simple ingredient swaps that keep the drink flavorful and creamy.
Start by replacing regular milk with almond or oat milk, both of which provide a smooth texture and mild taste that pairs well with chocolate.
Oat milk is particularly creamy, making it a top choice for hot chocolate.
For sweetness, consider natural options like maple syrup, which adds depth without the processed sugar.
If you’re looking to further reduce sugar, opt for sugar-free chocolate or reduce the amount of chocolate in the recipe.
These alternatives create a version of peppermint hot chocolate that’s lighter but still satisfying, making it easier to enjoy this holiday treat more often.
Conclusion
Enjoy making your peppermint hot chocolate your own by experimenting with toppings and flavors.
Try different variations, and don’t hesitate to add your personal twist.
We’d love to see your creations—share them on social media and leave a comment with your feedback!
FAQs
Can you make it vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! For a vegan or dairy-free version, simply substitute regular milk with plant-based options like almond or oat milk.
Both work well, but oat milk is particularly creamy and complements the chocolate flavor nicely.
For toppings, choose dairy-free whipped cream or coconut whipped cream to keep it vegan-friendly.
What’s the difference between peppermint extract and peppermint syrup?
Peppermint extract is a concentrated flavoring with a strong, pure mint taste, making it ideal for hot chocolate since you only need a small amount.
Peppermint syrup, on the other hand, is sweetened and adds both mint flavor and extra sweetness, which can change the taste and texture of the drink.
Use peppermint extract if you want more control over the sweetness level.
How do I adjust the peppermint strength without overpowering the drink?
Since peppermint extract is potent, start with a small amount (about ⅛ teaspoon) and gradually add more if needed.
Taste as you go to avoid overpowering the chocolate flavor.
If you accidentally add too much, adding a bit more milk or chocolate can help balance it out.
